Michigan State Historic Preservation Office Awards Historic Preservation Grants to Six Michigan Communities

LANSING, Mich. - The State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) has awarded $211,000 in grants to six Michigan communities, the Michigan Strategic Fund announced today. The grants represent awards from the federal Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) Certified Local Government (CLG) program administered by the SHPO and will benefit local preservation and community planning goals in Flat Rock, Jackson, Lansing, Linden, Niles, and Pontiac.

"Every year through the Certified Local Government grant program, SHPO is afforded the unique opportunity to be able to financially support local preservation efforts, said State Historic Preservation Officer Ryan M. Schumaker. "This grant funding in addition our larger CLG program provide key tools to help local communities preserve what makes them unique. We are pleased to support this year's awardees as they continue to work to tell a more complete story of their communities."

The Certified Local Government program is a partnership among local, state, and national governments focused on promoting historic preservation at the local level. The National Park Service administers the program in coordination with the State Historic Preservation Office. Participation in the program, which is open to any community willing to meet basic program requirements, makes a community eligible for specialized technical assistance and programming from the SHPO.

Participation in the CLG program also makes a community eligible for annual grants provided by the U.S. Department of the Interior and administered by the SHPO. These grants may be used for a variety of preservation activities, such as historic resource surveys, National Register of Historic Places nominations, educational and heritage tourism initiatives, pre-development plans and studies, and rehabilitation of certain historic properties.

This year's grant recipients include:

City of Flat Rock

The City of Flat Rock is receiving a grant to hire a qualified preservation consultant to create a set of comprehensive historic preservation design guidelines for the City's future local historic district and to develop best practice guidance documents for the historic district commission. The documents will equip the city staff and commission members with the tools necessary to help guide historic preservation activities into the future and will provide current and future property owners with a better understanding of preservation best practices.

City of Jackson

The City of Jackson is receiving a grant to coordinate with the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NAPC) to host a Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP) for the city's historic district commission and staff, as well as other regional partners. The CAMP training will provide best practice guidance that will enhance the city's ability to effectively manage its local historic districts and engage preservation activities.

"The City of Jackson is excited to receive funding from SHPO as part of the CLG grant program," said Cory Mays, grant coordinator for the City of Jackson. "Funds will be used to support training for our historic district commission members, helping to enhance our work in the City. We are proud of the continued partnership with SHPO and humbled with this award."

City of Lansing

The City of Lansing is receiving a grant to hire a qualified contractor to complete a historic resource survey of properties within the Espanore subdivision, one of the original subdivision plats of the Westside Neighborhood. The survey will serve as a baseline for collecting data about historic resources in the area, which will help guide future decision-making and efforts to recognize, promote, and tell the story of the community.

"The City of Lansing is excited to accept and utilize the Certified Local Government grant, its first since 2007, to complete a reconnaissance survey of the Espanore plat of the historic Westside neighborhood," said Andy Fedewa, principal planner for the City of Lansing. "The survey will document the neighborhood's architectural and cultural resources, improve understanding of its historic significance, and provide an updated foundation for preservation planning. This effort will help inform future decision-making, educate property owners, and ensure the neighborhood's unique character and history are recognized and preserved for future generations."

City of Linden

The City of Linden is receiving a grant to hire a qualified preservation consultant to create an updated set of comprehensive historic preservation design guidelines to better align with preservation best practices. The document will provide clear guidance to historic district commissioners, city staff, and the public and establish a consistent approach for protecting the historic character of the city's local historic district.

"We are honored for receipt of this grant and for the important investment within the City of Linden! Working with a qualified consultant on a comprehensive update of Linden's Historic District Design Guidelines will provide improved guidance to our Historic District Commission," said City Clerk Kristyn Kanyak. "In addition, this grant will also ensure design standards are better aligned with current preservation standards and best practices for residential and commercial building enhancements, to better support property and business owners, residents and contractors within our Historic District."

City of Niles

The City of Niles is receiving a grant to undertake accessibility improvements at the Fort St. Joseph Museum, the former carriage house for the Historic Chapin Mansion and part of the Niles History Center. The improvements will enhance the city's ability to continue to serve as a steward of the region's history and host events and programs at the site, which offers an extensive range of educational programs for all ages.

"The City of Niles is thrilled to be a recipient of the Certified Local Government grant," said Christina H. Arseneau, director, Niles History Center. "These funds will allow us to make one of our community's historic landmarks more accessible. More people will visit as a result and have a chance to experience the Historic Chapin Mansion and Fort St. Joseph Museum. Thank you to MEDC and SHPO for this opportunity!"

City of Pontiac

The City of Pontiac is receiving a grant to hire a qualified preservation consultant to create an updated set of comprehensive historic preservation design guidelines for the downtown historic district. The document will provide clear, updated guidance to historic district commissioners, city staff, and the public that align future developments in the historic commercial core of Pontiac with preservation best practices.

"Participation in the Certified Local Government program provides our community with the critical resources and technical expertise needed to establish design guidelines that protect Pontiac's historic character, guide property rehabilitation, and foster long-term economic vitality downtown," said Lisa P. Campbell, director of strategic partnerships for the City of Pontiac.

Old Town Commercial Association

The Old Town Commercial Association, through the City of Lansing, is receiving a grant to hire a qualified contractor to prepare a set of updated design standards that can be used to support development activities and façade grant programs in the North Lansing Historic Commercial District.

"The Old Town Commercial Association is honored to receive this Certified Local Government grant in partnership with the State Historic Preservation Office," said James Lenon, Executive Director, Old Town Commercial Association. "Old Town's historic buildings and unique character are at the heart of what makes this district special, and these design guidelines will help ensure future investment respects that legacy while supporting thoughtful growth. This project is about providing clear, practical guidance for property owners, developers, and the community so that Old Town can continue to evolve without losing the historic identity that has made it one of Michigan's most recognizable commercial districts. We are grateful to SHPO and the MEDC for investing in the preservation and future of Old Town."

CLG grants are awarded annually on a competitive basis. Eligible applicants include Michigan's 42 CLG communities, which may partner with a non-profit organization or other public entity. The State Historic Preservation Office welcomes innovative proposals that promote historic preservation. For more information on the CLG program and funding opportunities, visit http://www.michigan.gov/CLGgrants.

Federal Credit
This material was produced with assistance from the Historic Preservation Fund, administered by the National Park Service, Department of the Interior under Grant Number P26AF00517. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of the Interior.

This program receives Federal financial assistance for identification and protection of historic properties. Under Title VI of the Civil Rights Acts of 1964, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, as amended, the U.S. Department of the Interior prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, or age in its federally assisted programs. Michigan law prohibits discrimination on the basis of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, or disability. If you believe you have been discriminated against in any program, activity, or facility as described above, or if you desire further information, please write to:

Chief, Office of Equal Opportunity Programs
United States Department of the Interior
National Park Service
1849 C Street, NW, MS-2740
Washington, DC 20240

About the State Historic Preservation Office
Focused on the historic preservation of culturally or archaeologically significant sites throughout the state, Michigan's State Historic Preservation Office's main function is to provide technical assistance to local communities and property owners in their efforts to identify, evaluate, designate, interpret and protect Michigan's historic above- and below-ground resources. SHPO also administers an incentives program that includes state and federal tax credits and pass-through grants available to Certified Local Governments.

To learn more about the State Historic Preservation Office and the Certified Local Government program, visit https://www.miplace.org/historic-preservation/.

About Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC)

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation is the state's marketing arm and lead advocate for business development, job awareness and community development with the focus on growing Michigan's economy. For more information on the MEDC and our initiatives, visit www.MichiganBusiness.org. For Pure Michigan® tourism information, your trip begins at www.michigan.org. Join the conversation on: FacebookInstagramLinkedIn, and Twitter.